Kennewick Middle, High School Students Begin Return Jan 25, Feb. 2

After a 15-20 minute period hearing comments from citizens, parents and others, and a brief discussion Wednesday evening, the Kennewick School Board voted 4-1 to have middle school students return to class starting January 25, and high school Feb. 2.

The board discussion and vote came just prior to the start of their January workshhop.

Officials say the transition should be made easier because the District will use the AA/BB hybrid plan that was already in place in Oct. when the board voted 3-2 against the return.

BFHD officials, including Dr. Amy Person (the Chief Health officer) say the District has the necessary safety and health protocols in place. An independent examination of school facilities has shown the environment is ready for hybrid.

Students will be divided into two groups. AA will go Mon-Tues, while BB goes Thursday- Fri. KSD will be emailing and sending out more details to parents, but you can see the AA/BB schedules by clicking here to go to the KSD website.

The  group schedule will look like this: For Monday Tuesday

• Students in the “A” cohort will attend in-person learning. Students attend half of their classes on Monday and half on Tuesday (e.g. Monday periods 1, 2, 3; Tuesday periods 4,5,6).
   
• Students in the “B” cohort will have asynchronous learning in the morning and will have 15-20 minute afternoon Zoom check-ins with teachers.

For Thursday Friday, this:

• Students in the “B” cohort will attend in-person learning. Students attend half of their classes on Thursday and half on Friday (e.g. Monday periods 1, 2, 3; Tuesday periods 4,5,6).
   
• Students in the “A” cohort will have asynchronous learning in the morning and will have 15-20 minute afternoon Zoom check-ins with teachers.

It is not known what prompted the swift and nearly unanimous vote by the board, the only dissenting vote was cast by Diane Sundvik, who did not elaborate on her no vote.

The board also approved the beginning of fall sports in the month of February, but no timetable has been set. Pasco has also approved high school sports for February.